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 Other accessories of astronomer's 'kit'

1.A Planisphere: Make certain this is one you can read easily at night with your red flashlight!
2.A Red Light Flashlight: A red flashlight prevents you from losing your night vision the way a regular (white) flashlight would.
3.A Barlow Lens: A Barlow lens is a lens you slip your eyepieces into that then doubles or triples their magnification. Having a barlow is like doubling the number of eyepieces you have. Make sure you have a barlow before you go buying additional eyepieces.
4.A decent Astronomy book: Don't just buy a book with pretty pictures. Make certain it is a useful book that gives helpful instructions and advice on how to use your telescope, find& observe night-sky objects and other hints. Make certain to read it fully before you go observing, then refer to it during your observation session.
5.Time and good weather: Make certain that you have time for your new hobby. It takes some commitment for even casual viewing. Also, make certain that before you go observing that the weather is decent for viewing. There's no point in going observing on a night where haze clouds everything in view.
6.Warm clothing: OK, you should really have this stuff already. But it is important to know. Even in warm summer months the temperature can get surprisingly cool at night. Be certain that you are ready for the weather, wherever you are and whenever you observe.

Company Resource:   Big Porro Binoculars, Compact Porro Binoculars
Read more: http://www.nbbinoculars.com/blog/

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 Dobsonian Telescope

Dobsonian telescopes were developed in the 1960's by John Dobson, an amateur astronomer. Having been fascinated by the Universe, John Dobson built his telescope, based on the Newtonian reflector telescope, out of every day common materials such as plywood and cardboard and is mostly, if not always alt-azimuth mounted. This simply meant that it had a simple two-axis mount for supporting and rotating the said telescope. This type of modified reflector telescope came to be known as the Dobsonian Telescope. Dobsonian Reflector telescopes are known for being great "deep sky" telescopes, mostly due to its' large aperture. Not only are they efficient for viewing the deep skies of the universe, they are also very light in terms of mass in proportion to the diameter of the objective, in other words, the viewer will have a very large image without an immovable giant telescope. In addition, Dobsonian telescopes are very simple to put together, with the altazimuth mounts typically compact, light-weight, and easy to point, making it a preferred choice for astronomers of all levels. However, for every positive there is a negative and the Dobsonian telescopes is no exception. Due to its large aperture and its design which was optimized for deep sky penetration, an equatorial mount was left out of the design equation, thus a user must move the telescope manually every few minutes or so in order to compensate for the rotation of the Earth. Additionally, it also suffers from balance issues, this is due to the fact that since the Dobsonian Telescope is usually in a fixed relationship to its altitude bearings, an addition or subtraction of equipment's such as finder scopes, and heavy eyepieces can render the unit useless until recalibrated. However, due to its' ability to penetrate the deep dark skies, The Dobsonian Telescope still remains a firm favourite in the Astronomy community for the amateur and professional astronomers alike.

Company Resource:    Big Porro Binoculars, Compact Porro Binoculars
Read more: http://www.nbbinoculars.com/blog/

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 Refractor Telescope

Refractor telescopes, also known as refracting telescopes or dioptric telescopes bend light to make parallel rays converge at a focal point. The refractor telescope design was predominantly used in spy glasses before its use in astronomical telescopes. The refractor telescope was the first kind of telescope invented. It utilises' a glass lens as a medium to refract the rays of light to form an image. Incidentally, the first refracting telescopes invented was by none other than Galileo Galilei. He invented the first refractor telescope with one large glass lens as the objective and a smaller lens as the eyepiece or focal point. In order to be able to refract light the glass lens had to be shaped perfectly depending on the desired size of the image. The focal point would have a glass lens shaped in the opposite fashion of the objective to keep the image from being seen upside down. This design, being one of the first refractor telescope, has come to be known as none other than the Galilean telescope.

As brilliant as the Galilean telescope was, there is always room for improvement, hence in 1611, another astronomer by the name of Johannes Kepler created another variation of the refracting telescope based on the designs of the Galilean telescope. The Keplerian Telescope, as it came to be known, used convex lenses as opposed to Galileo's version which used convex lenses.

This in essence gave the viewer a much wider field of view and much needed eye relief. The downside however being that the image would have been inverted. Other disadvantages of the refractor telescope was its' lack of ability to filter aberrations of the non converged rays. These shortcomings sparked the invention of an achromatic refracting telescope and apochromatic refractors. Achromatic refractor telescopes are pretty self-explanatory. They are intended to display the image without color to mitigate aberrations. Apochromatic refractor telescopes on the other hand, are designed to bring three colors. The viewer would be able to see red, green, and blue wavelengths with minimal aberrations making the apochromatic refracting telescope highly preferable for its time.

Fast forward to the 21st century and refractor telescopes have advanced to such an extent that with the right telescope, viewing a picture clear Pluto through the lenses is not impossible. Also with the advent of technology, computerised goto refractor telescopes are now the norm.
Refractor telescopes, also known as refracting telescopes or dioptric telescopes bend light to make parallel rays converge at a focal point. The refractor telescope design was predominantly used in spy glasses before its use in astronomical telescopes. The refractor telescope was the first kind of telescope invented. It utilises' a glass lens as a medium to refract the rays of light to form an image. Incidentally, the first refracting telescopes invented was by none other than Galileo Galilei. He invented the first refractor telescope with one large glass lens as the objective and a smaller lens as the eyepiece or focal point. In order to be able to refract light the glass lens had to be shaped perfectly depending on the desired size of the image. The focal point would have a glass lens shaped in the opposite fashion of the objective to keep the image from being seen upside down. This design, being one of the first refractor telescope, has come to be known as none other than the Galilean telescope.

As brilliant as the Galilean telescope was, there is always room for improvement, hence in 1611, another astronomer by the name of Johannes Kepler created another variation of the refracting telescope based on the designs of the Galilean telescope. The Keplerian Telescope, as it came to be known, used convex lenses as opposed to Galileo's version which used convex lenses.

This in essence gave the viewer a much wider field of view and much needed eye relief. The downside however being that the image would have been inverted. Other disadvantages of the refractor telescope was its' lack of ability to filter aberrations of the non converged rays. These shortcomings sparked the invention of an achromatic refracting telescope and apochromatic refractors. Achromatic refractor telescopes are pretty self-explanatory. They are intended to display the image without color to mitigate aberrations. Apochromatic refractor telescopes on the other hand, are designed to bring three colors. The viewer would be able to see red, green, and blue wavelengths with minimal aberrations making the apochromatic refracting telescope highly preferable for its time.

Fast forward to the 21st century and refractor telescopes have advanced to such an extent that with the right telescope, viewing a picture clear Pluto through the lenses is not impossible. Also with the advent of technology, computerised goto refractor telescopes are now the norm.

Company Resource:    Waterproof Binoculars, Gift Binoculars
Read more: http://www.nbbinoculars.com/blog/

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 Full size binoculars

Basically, binoculars with an objective lens smaller than 30 mm are considered "Compacts", while ones with lenses larger than this are described as "Full Size". In most cases, I recommend people to go with a full size binocular for watching birds and nature. One reason is that they are just a lot easier to look through. A reason for this is compact binoculars have correspondingly smaller exit pupil lenses (the smaller lenses you actually look through) that sometimes make it hard to see the whole field of view. Another reason is that full size binoculars are brighter when compared to a compact model of similar optical quality. This results in sharper, clearer images most of the time. So, look for binoculars in the 35 mm to 45 mm range. The only time compacts may be desirable is when traveling dictates carrying around the smallest possible binocular. Larger size lenses (50 mm or more) result in heavier, bulkier binoculars that may be harder to carry around. But, if you don't mind the larger size, these larger lens binoculars can offer very good brightness and ease of use.

 

Company Resource:   Waterproof Binoculars, Gift Binoculars,
Read more: http://www.nbbinoculars.com/blog/

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  The Roof Prism Or Porro Prism Design

binoculars come in either the Roof Prism or Porro Prism design. Generally, the Roof prism is more desirable, but can be more expensive for the same quality glass and optics compared to a Porro Prism. But, the more streamlined design and more rugged hinge design makes it worth it in most cases. Water Proof and Fog Proof are also desirable features if you're going to possibly be using the binoculars in areas where you get a lot of moisture (like a damp forest) or where you may accidentally drop them in the water (like canoeing). These can add to the cost, but may be a very good investment.

So, the key is to try a lot of different models to find the binocular that feels right in your hands and is easy to look through for your specific vision. This way, you can find a great pair that you will be very happy with for years.

Company Resource:   Monocular Telescope Promotional Binoculars
Read more: http://www.nbbinoculars.com/blog/

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  The Roof Prism Or Porro Prism Design

binoculars come in either the Roof Prism or Porro Prism design. Generally, the Roof prism is more desirable, but can be more expensive for the same quality glass and optics compared to a Porro Prism. But, the more streamlined design and more rugged hinge design makes it worth it in most cases. Water Proof and Fog Proof are also desirable features if you're going to possibly be using the binoculars in areas where you get a lot of moisture (like a damp forest) or where you may accidentally drop them in the water (like canoeing). These can add to the cost, but may be a very good investment.

So, the key is to try a lot of different models to find the binocular that feels right in your hands and is easy to look through for your specific vision. This way, you can find a great pair that you will be very happy with for years.

Company Resource:   Monocular Telescope Promotional Binoculars
Read more: http://www.nbbinoculars.com/blog/

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 Practice Care In Handling Your Binoculars

If your binoculars are waterproof/fog proof, excessive banging and or dropping can cause the nitrogen inside the barrels to escape voiding their waterproof/fog proof status.

All binoculars come with a 'safety' or 'neck strap' attached to the binoculars that is normally adjustable in length. When viewing, always put the safety strap over your head to prevent accidental dropping of your binoculars. Insure that if others use your binoculars, they too install the safety strap over their head.

Armor' or 'rubber' coated binoculars are great at absorbing most of the shock generated by low impact banging. This rubber coating does not necessarily help if your binoculars are dropped or banged excessively.Even though your binoculars may be waterproof and or fog proof, keep them dry when possible. Wipe any water off with a soft cloth or towel before storing.

Do not store your binoculars in an excessively hot or cold vehicle. The excessive heat can cause swelling of the barrels which in turn can cause one or both of the objective (large lens) lenses to pop out or crack. Excessive heat and cold can also cause moisture or condensation to build up inside the binoculars. Don't leave your binoculars on the dash of a vehicle even if they are in the case. The sun shining through the windshield can magnify the outside temperature many times.

Company Resource:   Straight Binoculars, Monocular Telescope

Read more: http://www.nbbinoculars.com/blog/

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 Following the above recommended procedures for cleaning your binoculars

1. If your binoculars came with a micro-fiber lens cleaning cloth, use this to clean your lens after blowing or brushing away any dust or debris. Gently and with light pressure, wipe the lens in a circular motion. On the larger objective lens you may want to 'ball up' the cleaning cloth and twist lightly in a circular motion on the lens. By doing this you will exert less pressure on the lens than when using your fingers on the cloth to press down on the lens.

2. If a cleaning solution is to be used, make sure it is recommended by the binocular manufacturer before using as some cleaners may discolor or dissolve the lens coating. Use the micro-fiber cloth in conjunction with any cleaning solutions. Always apply liquid cleaners to the cloth and not directly on the lens. Lens cleaning pens as found in camera stores are also a good way to clean the lens of your binoculars.

3. Do not use a paper towel to clean your binocular lens. Paper towels are made from wood and wood is abrasive. Even when used wet or with a cleaning solution they will scratch your binocular lens.

4. Insure that your binocular case is clean inside and out before storing your binoculars in the case. Wipe and or blow any dirt from the inside of the case and clean the outside with a damp cloth.

5. Do not attempt to 'field clean' your binoculars unless you have the proper cleaning materials with you, especially the binocular lens. If you should drop your binoculars in the dirt, sand, mud or snow, blow them off with your mouth as good as possible until you can clean them properly. Compressed air is a good way to clean the dirt or sand from all the nooks and crannies of your binoculars including the hinge area and focus knob.

6. If your binoculars are waterproof/fog proof, a quick rinsing under running water will not hurt them. Make sure you dry them off and clean the lens immediately.

7. The binocular safety/neck strap can be cleaned with a damp or wet cloth and or mild cleaning solution applied to the cloth. Dry the strap as good as possible after cleaning by using a dry cloth pulled along the strap using moderate pressure.

Company Resource:   Straight Binoculars, Monocular Telescope

Read more: http://www.nbbinoculars.com/blog/

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 Selecting the Best Binoculars in Less Than 100 Dollars

When you are in the market searching for that best model for less than 100 dollars things can become tough as you will constantly find things that are much better at say 120 or 150. But 100 dollars is what you want to spend on and that can be a psychological barrier that you do not want to cross at least initially.

The price below 100 will mean you will have to compromise on a lot of things and one of the main things among several is the design. The roof prism construction is expensive and complex to make and hence there are not a lot of options for roof prisms binoculars at this price. Even if there are some which are available at this price point then these will need to be evaluated for image quality. The best bet is to go for the porro prism binoculars. Porro prism construction is considered old fashioned but the main point here is that they will give you good quality at low price. The reason is simple as porro prism binoculars are not very complex to manufacture which translates into less costs and good quality.

 

Company Resource:    Monocular Telescope Promotional Binoculars
Read more: http://www.nbbinoculars.com/blog/

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 The Best Way to Compare Binoculars

Look through the binoculars to see how close you can focus them

Do the colors project correctly through them?

Are the binoculars Porro prism or roof prism design?

Check the imagine quality, both at the periphery of the image and at the subject midpoint.

Check the weight - how long could you comfortable use and carry the binoculars?

If you are seeking binoculars for marine use, birding, hunting or other outdoor pursuits, consider waterproof or water resistant binoculars.

If you wear spectacles, look for a pair of binoculars that will be comfortable and also give you a clear, sharp picture.

Do the binoculars come with a protective case, well-fitting lens covers and a comfortable neck strap?

 

Company Resource:    Waterproof Binoculars, Gift Binoculars
Read more: http://www.nbbinoculars.com/blog/

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